Position Summary

The Mentor position is full-time, 40 hours per week (non-exempt, benefits available) and will primarily take place at our Humboldt Park location. Hours are both in-school as well as after-school hours and require a flexible schedule. The Mentor is responsible for mentoring one-on-one and in group settings, facilitating high-quality program in/out of school, planning and implementing events/activities that may include sports, and providing youth advocacy such as connections to other social services. May require some local travel (reimbursable). Pay commensurate with experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Hosts participant information sessions in collaboration with other staff, to explain expectations, roles, and responsibilities of participants.
• Plans and implements outreach and recruiting of youth to program as needed.
• Serves as a liaison and youth advocate with families, school administrators, social and youth service agencies and the juvenile justice system.
• Assists in creation, implementation and monitoring of progress of youth case plans, goals and objectives set with you and family/school.
• Assist youth and families strengthen relationships with people, organizations, or systems within their community through advocacy, modeling, coaching, and negotiating.
• Intentionally focuses on a caseload of youth in a one-on-one mentoring capacity. Supervisor will determine the caseload.
• Administers intake and youth assessments as well as accuracy and completeness of youth files.
• Produces documents, receipts and correspondence regarding activities and progress as requested.
• Serves as a linkage and support for individuals and families to enhance their assistance and use of opportunities and programs in the community (ie. Job programs, GED, drug treatment).
• Assists mentors in weekly planning, program facilitation and youth social activities/outings (may include in-school/after-school, small/large groups, and sports).
• Coaches sports groups and assists in planning of sports activities or other arts-based programming as needed.
• Maintains and documents required quantity/quality of contacts with youth as requested by Supervisor.
• Communicates with key staff, mentees and mentee caregiver(s) to ensure the youth’s needs are addressed.
• Monitors and provides for a safe environment for youth at NLC functions.
• Utilizes database and other recordkeeping procedures to document youth sessions, progress, challenges, etc.
• Communicates regularly with mentors to assure they are assisting youth to address challenges, celebrate milestones, assist in identifying goals and problem solving.
• Creates lessons and activities based on life-skills as needed. Assures lessons are relevant and appropriate. Utilizes identified curriculum or curriculum principles to reinforce mentee learning.
• Participates in an annual evaluation.
• Maintains accuracy of a budget and spending plan.
• Assists with preparations for events.
• Cooperates with all NLC Directors and staff.
• Reinforces New Life Centers’ values in student's interactions with one another.
• Demonstrates New Life Centers’ values.
• Applies New Life Centers’ procedures and policies.
• Attends required meetings and trainings.
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork and excellence as well as the mission of New Life Centers of Chicagoland.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Must become a Certified Mandated Reporter. Training provided.
• Must pass a background check, must not have any pending cases.
• Must pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System background check.
• Must pass a National Sex Offender Registry background check.
• Must have a working phone and phone number.
• One-year experience working in the human services field in a capacity that involves direct services to at-risk youth.
• Cross-cultural competency.
• General knowledge of sports.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must be willing to be trained, and proficiently utilize database(s) and information tracking systems relevant to duties.
• Must keep confidentiality of records and participant information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in youth development.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus but not necessary.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, good driving record, access to a vehicle. Subject to driving background check.

New Life Centers provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. New Life Centers complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.